In our experience, this traditional Japanese inn offers a slice of authentic ryokan life in peaceful Yamanouchi. You’ll sleep on futons laid out on tatami floors, soak in soothing hot springs, and feast on elaborate multi-course meals. The warm staff goes out of their way to make you feel at home, even offering rides to see those famous snow monkeys nearby.
While the rooms are cozy and comfortable, some travelers might find them a bit small by Western standards. Also, the set menus, though delicious, may not suit picky eaters or those with strict dietary restrictions.
This ryokan is perfect for culture enthusiasts looking to enjoy Japanese traditions. It’s also ideal for nature lovers who want a serene base for exploring the beautiful Nagano region.
If you’re after a genuine, relaxing Japanese inn experience with top-notch hospitality, you’ll likely fall in love with this place.
Key Points
- Ryokan Biyunoyado is a traditional Japanese inn located in Yamanouchi, Nagano, a 15-minute shuttle ride to the famous Snow Monkey Park.
- The inn offers both Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and Western-style accommodations, with amenities like indoor/outdoor hot springs and a restaurant serving traditional multi-course meals.
- Guests praise the inn’s friendly staff, transportation assistance, and ability to accommodate dietary needs, making the dining experience a highlight of their stay.
- The ryokan’s prime location provides easy access to nearby attractions, including the Heiwa Kannon temple and the Shiga Kogen Sunvalley Ski Resort.
- Ryokan Biyunoyado follows policies such as quiet hours, advance reservations for shuttle service, and no smoking or pets allowed, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable stay.
Overview and Location
Ryokan Biyunoyado is a renowned Japanese inn located at 381-0401 Nagano, Yamanouchi, Hirao 2951-1, Japan.
Rated 8.9 by guests, it’s recognized for its excellent location (8.9) and staff (9.4). The inn was selected as one of the Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Japan by TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award 2013.
Conveniently situated, it’s a 5-minute walk from Heiwa Kannon and a 25-minute drive from Shiga Kogen Sunvalley Ski Resort.
Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle to Snow Monkey Park (15-minute drive) and Yudanaka Train Station.
Accommodation and Amenities
The ryokan offers both Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding, as well as Western-style accommodations.
Amenities include public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, colorful yukata robes, flat-screen TVs, fridges, electric kettles, and safety deposit boxes.
Guests can enjoy karaoke rooms, a souvenir shop, and free Wi-Fi.
The on-site restaurant serves traditional multi-course meals, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available.
Spa services, such as massages and private hot-spring baths, are offered at an additional cost.
The ryokan’s facilities and amenities provide guests with a truly immersive and comfortable traditional Japanese experience.
Guest Experience and Reviews
Guests at Ryokan Biyunoyado have consistently praised the property’s friendly staff, excellent food, and comfortable accommodations. The hospitality and extra efforts of the staff, including transportation assistance and meal customization, have been particularly appreciated. Guests have also highlighted the memorable experiences, from the rooftop onsen to the spacious traditional rooms. The ryokan’s reviews showcase its appeal to a diverse audience, with notable praise from guests across the US, Australia, and Guam.
| Praise | Key Highlights | Guest Quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly Staff | Transportation assistance, meal customization | "The staff went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional." |
| Excellent Food | Traditional multi-course meals, vegetarian/vegan options | "The food was a true highlight – we loved trying the new dishes." |
| Comfortable Accommodations | Spacious rooms, traditional ryokan experience | "Our room was so cozy and the onsen was heavenly." |
Dining Options
At Ryokan Biyunoyado, the on-site restaurant offers both breakfast and dinner, catering to a range of dietary needs with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available.
Traditional multi-course meals are highly rated, with guests noting their children enjoyed trying new dishes. Breakfast and dinner are only available for guests with half-board meal plans, though a Western-style breakfast can be requested.
The cuisine at Ryokan Biyunoyado is a highlight for many guests, who praise the excellent quality and authenticity of the traditional Japanese fare served throughout their stay.
Policies and Services
Along With the exceptional dining options, Ryokan Biyunoyado provides a range of services and policies to ensure guests have a seamless and comfortable stay.
Check-in is between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, with check-out from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Guests must arrive by 7:00 PM to enjoy the dinner service.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary, so visitors are advised to review the details. Children of all ages are welcome, but cribs and extra beds aren’t available. Pets aren’t permitted, and smoking is prohibited.
Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Free private parking and shuttle service are provided, but advance reservation is required for the shuttle.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Ryokan Biyunoyado’s prime location offers guests convenient access to a host of captivating attractions and natural wonders.
Just a 5-minute walk away, visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance of Heiwa Kannon, a picturesque temple nestled amidst the mountains.
For adrenaline-seekers, the renowned Shiga Kogen Sunvalley Ski Resort is a mere 25-minute drive, providing a winter wonderland of slopes and ski lifts.
Guests can also explore the mesmerizing Snow Monkey Park, just a 15-minute shuttle ride away, where they can observe the famous Japanese macaques relaxing in natural hot springs.
With its strategic positioning, Ryokan Biyunoyado offers guests a seamless gateway to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.
Activities and Attractions
Guests of Ryokan Biyunoyado can enjoy a wealth of captivating activities and attractions that showcase the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
Just a 5-minute walk away is the serene Heiwa Kannon, a Buddhist statue offering peaceful contemplation.
The renowned Shiga Kogen Sunvalley Ski Resort, a 25-minute drive, provides exhilarating winter sports.
Guests can also explore the Snow Monkey Park, a 15-minute shuttle ride away, to witness the famous Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs.
Back at the ryokan, visitors can indulge in rejuvenating onsen baths, savor traditional cuisine, and enjoy the timeless ryokan experience that Biyunoyado is renowned for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travelers often inquire about the ryokan’s policies, amenities, and transportation options.
Ryokan Biyunoyado has a flexible check-in time from 3 PM to 6 PM, and guests must check in by 7 PM for dinner service.
While children are welcome, the ryokan doesn’t provide cribs or extra beds.
Smoking and pets are prohibited, but the ryokan offers free private parking and a shuttle service to nearby attractions like the Snow Monkey Park.
Guests can enjoy the indoor and outdoor hot springs, as well as amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and safety deposit boxes in their traditional or Western-style rooms.
The ryokan’s restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, catering to various dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Stay Requirement?
There’s no minimum stay requirement at this ryokan. Guests can book for a single night or longer, depending on their travel plans and preferences. The flexible policies allow for convenient stays of various durations.
Can Guests Bring Their Own Food or Drinks?
Guests are generally not permitted to bring their own food or drinks to the ryokan. The ryokan provides meals as part of the stay, and outside food and beverages are typically not allowed in order to maintain the traditional ryokan experience.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The ryokan has implemented strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask requirements, enhanced cleaning, and social distancing measures to protect guests’ well-being. Staff are fully vaccinated and follow rigorous disinfection procedures across all common areas and guest rooms.
Are the Hot Spring Baths Gender-Separated?
The hot spring baths are gender-separated, with dedicated areas for both men and women. Guests can enjoy the relaxing and traditional ryokan experience in a comfortable and private setting.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for Reservations?
The cancellation policy varies, so guests must check the details of their reservation. Generally, a full refund is available if cancelled more than 7 days in advance, with less flexibility closer to the stay.
The Sum Up
We’ve stayed at countless ryokans across Japan, but this gem in Yamanouchi, Nagano truly stands out. Nestled in the mountains, it offers that quintessential Japanese inn experience we’re always searching for.
From the moment we slipped into our yukata robes, we felt transported. The rooms exude traditional charm, while the hot spring baths soothed our travel-weary muscles. And don’t get me started on the kaiseki dinners – a nightly culinary adventure that had us eagerly anticipating each course.
What really sets this place apart, though, is its prime location. We found ourselves perfectly positioned to explore the region’s natural wonders and partake in winter activities. It’s the ideal base for experiencing the cultural richness of rural Japan.
If you’re looking to learn about authentic Japanese hospitality without sacrificing comfort, this ryokan should be at the top of your list. To make your own memories here, just click the button below. We use Booking.com for all our reservations – it’s free, and their prices are usually hard to beat. Happy travels!